MRSA Research of Melissa Pomeroy is Published in Journal of Infectious Diseases

2012 Apr 24

Melissa Pomeroy of Orland Park along with undergraduate biology students and biology professors from Lewis University had their research published in the April issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, an official publication of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Treatment areas of ambulances fared well when tested for dangerous bacteria, according to the research.

Students worked with the Orland Fire Protection District near Chicago and took samples from 26 areas of 71 ambulances from 34 different Chicago municipalities to test them for possible contamination with Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a species of bacteria that can cause serious infections and can acquire resistance to potent antibiotics.

Research showed that 69 percent of the front-line ambulances in the Chicago area contained the staph bacteria. Of all isolates detected, 77 percent showed resistance to at least one antibiotic and 12 percent were identified as the "super bug" known as methicillin-resistant S. aureus or MRSA. Of the 12 samples determined to be MRSA, two samples were recovered from the workspace deck, oxygen tank handle, left and right cot handle, lower cot seat belt, IV bag handle and many other parts of the ambulances.

"These results indicate that the first responders are doing a good job of protecting their patients," commented Dr. James Rago, lead study author and assistant professor of biology at Lewis University. "Given the ease with which S. aureus can survive on inanimate surfaces and exchange antibiotic resistance elements, a conscientious approach to the application of existing cleaning techniques, especially in key ambulance sites, needs to continue."

Those involved in the research include undergraduate biology students Viktorija Makarovaite of Tinley Park, Esha Patel of Des Plaines, Melissa Pomeroy of Orland Park, Chris Yasmine of Carol Stream, Dr. James V. Rago, assistant professor of biology and Lieutenant Keith Buhs of the Orland Fire Protection District.

The Biology Department of Lewis University is recognized as one of the premier pre-professional, allied health and environmental science departments in the Midwest. The faculty and staff of the department strive to provide high quality education experiences for students through exemplary courses, hands-on experience and state-of-the-art facilities. The department prepares students to make contributions to their local communities and the world beyond as educators, researchers, professionals and citizens.

Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to nearly 6,500 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The ninth largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for further information.